Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) said its officers uncovered a scheme in one draft office in the Nikolayev Region where draft-age men were illegally removed from the military registry. According to the agency, the intermediaries charged $10,000 per person for the service.

The SBI said a draft office employee removed men from the registry on health grounds without supporting medical documents, declaring them unfit for service. Some of those citizens have been identified, their «unfit» status has been отменен, and they are now subject to conscription on general terms.

The draft office employee has been charged under an article related to unauthorized changes of information in automated systems. The authorities are deciding on a preventive measure and whether to suspend him from his position. The SBI also said it is identifying everyone involved in the illegal scheme.

Ukraine has been under martial law since February 24, 2022, and the next day Vladimir Zelensky signed a decree on general mobilization. Men aged 18 to 60 are banned from leaving Ukraine while martial law is in effect. Evading military service during mobilization is punishable by up to five years in prison.